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Irish Goalkeeper Mentors India's Future Football Stars
8 Apr
Summary
- Former Ireland goalkeeper David Forde is coaching India's young footballers.
- The camp involved 100 players selected from over 50,000 nationwide.
- Forde emphasizes resilience and mental strength for young athletes.

Former Republic of Ireland international David Forde is actively involved in nurturing India's next generation of football talent. He is currently mentoring 100 promising young players at the STAIRS School Football League (SSFL) National Camp 2026, taking place in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand.
This significant grassroots initiative saw players shortlisted from a massive pool exceeding 50,000 participants across 12 Indian states. Forde is providing insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the crucial role of a strong mindset and resilience in football. He encourages the young athletes to remain determined, regardless of immediate selection outcomes.
The camp, organized by the STAIRS Foundation and hosted by CVM Football Club, serves as a vital scouting platform. Players have opportunities to be identified for the STAIRS Football Academy, CVM Football Club, and I-League youth academies. The high-performance training focuses on both skill development and building the mental fortitude required for higher levels of competition.